### 172

Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by ⅚ vinegar and ⅙ oil. This would leave ⅚ of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other ⅚ of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with ⅚ of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.

The patrons mummer their approval when Shou Lin explains the correct solution to the puzzle. You must now erase 10 Gold Crowns from your Action Chart and give the coins to the old man. Gladly he accepts your payment and praises you for your brave attempt at solving it.

‘Bad luck, my Lord,’ says Anseng, in an attempt to console you. ‘May you have better luck next time.’ You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin’s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.

Turn to 286.